How should I pack my checked luggage for a flight?

Checked luggage (also known as “hold” or “main”) is transported in the hold of an aircraft. You can give it to your airline representative at the check-in desk or leave it at a luggage drop-off point.

The airline takes responsibility for your luggage once it is checked-in and tagged. You are given a part of the tag – usually stuck on to the boarding pass – as a document you use to identify your luggage on arrival or when submitting a complaint if something is damaged or lost during the flight.

Luggage allowances

Limits on weight and number of pieces of checked luggage are set by each airline individually (check your carrier’s Terms and Conditions for more detailed information).

What is NOT allowed in checked luggage?

For safety reasons, certain items are not permitted on aircraft. Regardless of the airline you choose, it is forbidden to transport explosives, flammable materials (such as alcohol of greater than 70% purity), fireworks, lighter fuel containers, and dummies of explosive devices. In addition, chemicals or toxic substances, including but not limited to: mouse and rat poison, tear gas devices, corrosive chemicals, paints and thinners, and tourist gas cartridges are not allowed on board.

Important!

Take all your valuable or fragile belongings, such as laptops, cameras, cash, jewelry, and documents, in hand luggage to avoid the risk of them being damaged or lost.

Unusual or outsized luggage

Please inform your airline about any outsized or unusual items of luggage (like a bicycle, surfboard, snowboard, ski equipment, or a musical instrument) in advance, not later than 48 hours prior to departure. Our Call Centre consultant will help you with any formalities.

Low-cost airlines

Low-cost carriers often charge you additional fees for checked luggage. If you decide to buy a checked luggage allowance, tick the correct box when booking your flight. The luggage fee will be included in the final price of your ticket before you complete the reservation.

On most low-cost airlines, the maximum weight of one piece of checked luggage is 32 kg. Even if you have bought an extra allowance, your bag cannot exceed this limit.

Paid checked luggage that exceeds weight or size limits will be considered excess or unusual luggage and subject to additional charges.

You cannot book checked luggage for an infant (a child aged 0-2).

You cannot divide weight limits between pieces of luggage.For example, two passengers traveling together with a checked luggage limit of 15 kg each cannot claim one 20 kg suitcase and one 10 kg bag.

You cannot combine the weight limits of multiple passengers for one piece of luggage.For example, two passengers traveling together with a checked luggage limit of 15 kg each cannot claim one 30 kg suitcase.

Make sure to review the weight limits of particular carriers in the Terms and Conditions section of their website.

Traditional airlines

Checked luggage is usually included in the price of a ticket. However, it is becoming more and more common on traditional airlines to charge extra for it.

Weight and amount limits depend on the travel class (economy, business, first) and the route.

Any luggage exceeding allowances is treated as excess luggage and charged additionally according to the applicable fee schedule.

Luggage restrictions

Make sure you know what you can and can’t take in carry-on and checked luggage.

Remember that transport of liquids, gels, and aerosols is restricted. All cosmetics, drinks, and other liquids should only be carried in containers that hold a maximum of 100 ml, and they must be packed in a transparent plastic bag. Each passenger can take a total of 1 liter of liquids on board. If you wish to take cosmetics in larger containers, put them in checked luggage.

Packing tips

When getting your luggage ready for a flight, keep these things in mind:

Weigh your luggage before taking it to the airport to avoid paying additional fees,

Protect your checked luggage from damage during transport: carefully close all the locks and sliders on your suitcase, backpack, or bag, wrap it in stretch foil, and secure with a belt or put in a case,

Remove all luggage claim tags from previous trips. If you leave them on, you risk having your luggage sent to the wrong destination,

Label each piece of checked luggage with your contact details. Special tags are available at check-in desks,

To avoid confusion when picking up your bags at the luggage reclaim, put something unique on your suitcase, like a colorful ribbon or a sticker,

The tips and suggestions in this article and related articles are for informational purposes only and may not constitute the basis for any claim against eSky.co.uk.

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